A Manchester student was the lucky winner of a gift hamper following his involvement in community projects helping people with disabilities, the homeless and children from difficult backgrounds.

Postgraduate David Ward was chosen to receive the goodies and was named Manchester's Local Hero of the Year by a panel of judges in a contest organised by Coca Cola.

He was also treated to a visit by the Coca-Cola Christmas van, which delivered a trophy and a hamper full of shopping and theatre vouchers, as well as an iPad mini.

Since 2008, David has been helping out at Student Action Manchester, an organisation within the university's Students' Union that integrates students with nearby communities.

Lindsay Gilbert, head of volunteering and community engagement at the University of Manchester, claimed the young man's energy and enthusiasm has inspired other individuals working for the programmes.

"He always displays a high level of competence which puts all the other volunteers at east. Student Action would not be in the strong position it is today without David's amazing work," she added.